Vikings May Be Getting a Major Upgrade at Defensive Tackle
K. Joudry
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Michael Pierce was supposed to be a difference-maker for Minnesota in 2021. Unfortunately, the Vikings have had to operate without the starting defensive tackle due to an elbow injury. He hasn’t played since Week 4.
Vikings.com provided a good refresher on the situation: “The Vikings designated defensive tackle Michael Pierce for return from Injured Reserve. Pierce has not played since Week 4 because of an elbow injury. Minnesota has up to 21 days to evaluate Pierce before activating him or ending his season in injured reserve.”
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”910437″ player=”26281″ title=”NFL%20Week%2013%20bold%20predictions%20Tom%20Brady%20carves%20up%20Falcons%20Patriots%20shine%20in%20primetime” duration=”146″ description=”Let’s dive into our bold predictions for NFL Week 13.” uploaddate=”2021-11-29″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19439/thumb/910416.png” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/910416/910416.m3u8″]
Obviously, it’s no sure thing that the Vikings will have their monstrous defensive tackle back for the Lions game. If they do, though, the team will have the chance to get creative along the defensive line. The injuries to Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter mean the team’s four best d-linemen are all DTs. Sheldon Richardson has already been kicked out to DE, perhaps they’ll consider doing so with Armon Watts, as well.
Regardless of what they decide to do at DE, having Pierce in the middle will make a substantial difference. He is 340 pounds and remarkably nimble for a man of his size.
Anyone who watched the snoozefest between the Lions and Bears on Thanksgiving knows that those Knee Biters plan to run, run, and then run some more. Their basic offensive philosophy seldom survives the jump up from Pop Warner football, but they’re quite possibly the most talent-starved team in the NFL. Maybe the ultra-conservative approach makes sense.
What I’m trying to say is that completely shutting down the run is a surefire strategy to derail Detroit. Getting Pierce back into the fold would be a big step toward accomplishing that goal. Take a peak at what he can bring to the defense:
Onward and upward to 6-6.
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